Radiography | Riverland Community College Accredited 2-Year Minnesota School Offering Programs to Southern, MN - Riverland

Radiography (X-Ray)

Radiography at Riverland

The Radiography Program is a consecutive 6-semester, 24-month, 83-credit program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program prepares students to become competent radiologic technologists. Successful students demonstrate an aptitude for science and math, an interest in working with people and technology and the ability to function professionally under stress. The curriculum includes courses in radiation protection, equipment operation and maintenance, image production and evaluation, radiographic procedures and patient care. Practicum education, at various health care facilities in southern Minnesota gives students opportunities to apply skills learned in the classroom. Graduates are eligible to take the nationally recognized ARRT registry exam to become registered technologists in radiography.

Students can look forward to one-on-one attention from excellent faculty in the college's fully equipped radiography laboratory. You will be well trained in all aspects of the appropriate use of technology and caring for the needs of patients. Radiographers play a key role on the medical team and work in many areas outside the Radiology Department including surgery, emergency room, cardiac and intensive care and patient rooms.

Semesters 1, 3, and 5 are completed in the classroom. Students can expect to be on campus, depending on the semester, three to four days out of the week for 4-6 hours. Courses do not meet on Fridays.

What Will I Study?

  • Introduction to Radiography and Patient Care
  • Radiographic Pathology and Medical Terminology
  • Radiographic Procedures I
  • Radiographic Procedures II
Student Learner Goals and Outcomes

New program goals and outcomes were developed and revised in April 2015. The outcomes are assessed annually through practicum evaluations, graduate, and employer surveys.

Goal 1. Students will be clinically competent.
Outcomes:
  1. Produce radiographs of diagnostic quality.
  2. Demonstrate proper positioning skills
  3. Apply radiation protection appropriately to patients
  4. Select appropriate exposure techniques
Goal 2. Graduate entry-level technologists to fulfill the needs of the community.
Outcomes:
  1. Perform radiography at the entry level
  2. Write and pass the ARRT exam
  3. Retain the majority of admitted students
  4. Employ the students in jobs after graduation
Goal 3. Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary for professional practice.
Outcomes:
  1. Demonstrate practicum competency by producing quality radiographs with indirect supervision
  2. Critically evaluate radiographs in the practicum setting
  3. Critically review journal articles relevant to the profession
  4. Demonstrate age-specific competencies through appropriate behaviors with define patient groups
Goal 4. Students will effectively communicate with all individuals encountered during the course of the program.
Outcomes:
  1. Demonstrate effective communication skills with faculty and practicum instructors
  2. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients
Goal 5. Students will value lifelong learning and develop a professional mindset.
Outcomes:
  1. Actively participate in professional activities
  2. Apply professional values in the practicum setting
  3. Practice lifelong learning

Healthcare Leadership & Administration

Upon receiving their AAS in Radiography degree, students have the opportunity to, seamlessly, continue their education with the Healthcare Leadership and Administration online bachelor completion program with Winona State University. As an HLA student, you will receive the advantage of gaining knowledge and building expertise in multiple areas.  The five learning domains that guide the HLA curriculum align with national standards for this type of degree and include:

  • Communication and Relationship Management
  • Leadership and Critical Thinking
  • Professionalism
  • Knowledge of the Healthcare Environment
  • Business Skills and Knowledge

For more information on this opportunity see www.winona.edu/hla .

Career Outlook

Current Demand
  • This career is currently in very high demand.
  • This career is seeing very high growth compared to other careers.
  • There will be a need for about 3,305 new Radiologic Technologists to meet market demand between 2016-2026. This includes the demand due to replacement (workers leaving the occupation or retiring) as well as growth.
Job Title Examples
  • X-Ray Technologist
  • Special Imaging Technologist
  • Medical Imaging Technologist
  • Radiographer

(source: Minnesota State CAREERwise Education)

Program Accreditation

The Radiography Program at Riverland Community College is accredited for 8 years by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and can be contacted at:

JRCERT Contact Information

20 North Wacker Driver, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-2901
(312) 704-5300 e-mail: mail@jrcert.org

The program complies with the JRCERT Standards for an accredited educational program in the radiologic sciences.

Information about the accreditation of Radiologic Technology programs and Riverland Community College’s Radiologic Technology Program pass rates, job placement rates, and program completion rates can be accessed here.

Riverland Community College Radiography Program Effectiveness Data

Radiography Mission Statement

The Riverland Community College Radiography Program’s mission is to inspire and educate students to become successful radiologic technologists who provide exceptional service to the community.

Program Scholarships

The college offers several scholarships for students to help with the cost of their education.

Program Related Scholarships

Next Steps..

Want to learn more about Riverland Community College? For more information about Riverland or to request program-specific materials, please complete the request information form

Guaranteed Transfer Agreement

Institution Award Degree Curriculum Agreement
Minnesota State University, Moorhead BS – Operations Management Download PDF
Winona State University BAS – Healthcare Leadership and Administration Download PDF
 

Last Updated: July 31, 2019

    Quick Facts
  • Associate of Applied Science
  • 83 Credits | Consecutive Six Semesters
  • Location: Austin
  • Offering: Fall
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